As is typical, relished the early niggle. Kicked a goal but did not have his usual influence. Just the six possessions and a goal in a quiet day for the little goal-sneak.
Michael Barlow – 9
Three goals and 32 disposals (18 contested) just about says it all. His lightning-fast hands around the packs were a delight, as was his toughness over the football. His weighted handballs often sparked Freo's run on the outside of the contest, which was a key reason for its victory. Sensational game.
Zac Clarke – 6
Combined with Aaron Sandilands to provide the Dockers with a clear advantage in the middle of the ground. The hit-out dominance was extraordinary (53-16), as was the Dockers' clearance work once the ball hit the deck. Flew athletically on numerous occasions, but could not quite pluck them when he needed to.
Ryan Crowley – 8
Started on Mathew Stokes but once Steve Johnson got going was quickly shifted on to the Cats' danger man. Blanketed him beautifully in the second half, allowing Johnson only eight more touches for the match. Booed at regular intervals by the pro-Cats crowd but was as dependable as the day is long.
Zac Dawson – 7
Reported before the opening bounce for connecting with James Podsiadly's chin, then gave away another silly free to gift Podsiadly a goal in the second quarter. Settled soon after and implemented the 'double fist' to perfection on a number of occasions. Repelled attacks time and time again as Geelong threw everything at the Dockers in the final term. Gets a tick.
Paul Duffield – 6
Ran hard to create off half-back with 17 touches and 10 handball receives. Also laid eight tackles as his desperation was evident. Rebounded from defence with drive, but butchered it a little with just 33.5 per cent disposal efficiency.
Matt de Boer – 4
Not much of a contribution with ball in hand but did his bit defensively. Also missed an opportunity to stave off the Cats' late charge in the final term with a crucial miss in front of goal.
Nathan Fyfe – 9
Was one of the prime catalysts in Fremantle's win. Won the ball around the packs and used his vertical leap to chip in and create turnovers. Ended up with 25 touches, seven clearances (five centre clearances) and five tackles in an outstanding display. Has stamped himself as a genuine finals performer.
Stephen Hill – 8
Used his supreme aerobic endurance to burn off the Cats and get behind their defence. The ball did not always bounce his way but he kept at it. Took three running bounces with control and poise and then finished his work with the game-winning goal to clinch Freo's outstanding victory.
Chris Mayne – 6
Missed a crucial set shot before quarter time. Felled Steve Johnson behind the play in a second quarter incident, which will definitely come under scrutiny from the Match Review Panel. Aggressive and uncompromising but not a huge impact.
Luke McPharlin – 7
A late inclusion for Alex Silvagni in his first game since round 16. Took some strong grabs and spoiled with purpose. Cancelled out the loss of Michael Johnson by repelling with vengeance from the backline. Held up his end of the bargain by quieting Nathan Vardy. A crucial piece of Fremantle's finals puzzle.
David Mundy – 7
The Fremantle quiet achiever went about his business with a minimum of fuss and was more than handy through the midfield. Helped himself to 18 touches and seven clearances, but was behind Barlow and Fyfe in terms of direct influence on the game.
Tendai Mzungu – 5
Set the tone with aggression around the packs and did not take a backward step. Was not quite his day, though.
Lachie Neale – 7
Collected his fair share of the ball and thrived in the stoppage situation. Shared the ball by hand in congested spaces and was another key performer in Fremantle's dominant midfield setup. Ross Lyon would be most pleased.
Matthew Pavlich – 8
Made a meal of an early set shot, but made amends with a poised first-quarter goal. Looked dangerous every time he flew in an intriguing battle up forward with Harry Taylor. Then to cap off an impressive day, made one of the best spoils of the day to halt Geelong's charge in the final term. His soaring pack mark just before the final siren put the full stop on a fabulous game.
Danyle Pearce – 6
Ran hard to receive and was involved in a number of link up plays through the middle. Entrusted by his teammates to belt the ball long when in trouble, which he carried out with precision. Often found space as a direct benefit of having Stephen Hill on the opposite wing to him.
Aaron Sandilands – 8
Exerted his influence around the centre clearances and exposed the Cats' achilles heel in the ruck. Then he created all sorts of nightmares for Tom Lonergan when he pushed deep into the goal square, by using his height to advantage.
Tom Sheridan – 3
Started as the substitute and did not come on until late in the third quarter. Finished with three possessions but could not really get going.
Lee Spurr – 8
Used the ball superbly and threw himself in at every opportunity. Relished the finals intensity and seemed to grow an extra leg as the game wore on. Gathered 28 possessions and 10 marks in standout display.
Nick Suban – 4
Managed to get under the skin of some Geelong opponents early in the game but did not have much of a statistical presence. Hobbled off in the hands of trainers in the third term with a left ankle injury. Subbed soon after.
Cameron Sutcliffe – 6
Won plenty of the ball, although 18 of his 19 disposals were uncontested. Had seven rebound 50s and used the ball cleanly by foot. Played his part.
Michael Walters – 7
Kicked Fremantle's first goal to start proceedings. Seemed to benefit from the rest Ross Lyon gave him last week as he looked fresh and energised. Ran like a man possessed at times through the centre of the ground, but did not always get used on the way back out. A solid outing.
